DOWNERS GROVE – When MRC Polymers employees were greeted by 60 smiling faces wearing T-shirts with “Recycle” across them, they knew they were in the right place.

On June 19, Chicago recycler MRC Polymers celebrated its fifth year in partnership with Downers Grove-based Spectrum Vocational Training Agency, part of Little Friends Inc.

Spectrum serves more than 200 people each year in its vocational programs, and is located at 2302 Wisconsin Ave., Downers Grove.

The two firms established an economical partnership that helps MRC recycle land-fill bound plastic while providing meaningful work for adults with developmental disabilities, according to a release.

“MRC continues to provide Little Friends employees the opportunity to build their work skills and do something good for the environment," Program Manager Nicole Fox said in a press release. "It has grown to be a preferred job for several of our clients, many of whom may not otherwise have the opportunity to earn a paycheck.”

Spectrum Vocational Training is the adult day services division of Little Friends, Inc., a private, non-profit agency based in Naperville. Founded in 1968, Spectrum serves people, ages 16 and older, with developmental challenges from DuPage and surrounding counties.

Individuals work on subcontract jobs and are paid for the work that they do.